I am appalled at the time, effort, and ink expended in compromising the reputation of these two public servants. Servants who both have enjoyed long and effective careers in a sector of our society that traditionally suffers due criticism. Their years of dedicated service to their constituencies apparently have meant nothing. One moment of – whatever you’d want to label it – and suddenly, out of the mouths and pens of “innocents” rains such spewage. Unconscionable.

Yes, “innocents” is correct, as anyone informed has to recognize the Incident as an expected political act of no great surprise and certainly in line with longstanding traditions. As the script of a well-known farce appropriately put it: “They are more to be pitied than censured.”